Istanbul, April 16 – The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, through its Urban Transformation Presidency, is actively pursuing the “Half is Ours” support program to expedite urban transformation across Istanbul. The city, which houses 600,000 risky residential and commercial units, is seeing renewed efforts to encourage property owners to renovate their homes and workplaces.
Significant Financial Support for Homeowners
Under the “Half is Ours” campaign, homeowners wishing to renovate their properties are eligible for substantial financial assistance. This includes a grant of 875,000 Turkish Liras, a loan of 875,000 Turkish Liras, and a relocation support of 125,000 Turkish Liras for each residential unit. This comprehensive package aims to alleviate the financial burden on citizens and encourage participation in the transformation process.
Minister Kurum Highlights Impact in Avcılar
Murat Kurum, the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, recently shared visuals of the Gezer family in Istanbul’s Avcılar district, Cihangir neighborhood. The Gezer family successfully transformed their 40-year-old building through the “Half is Ours” campaign. Minister Kurum emphasized the broader vision behind these efforts, stating, “With the Transformation of the Century, we are strengthening not only structures but also our future. We are accelerating transformation with ‘Half is Ours,’ carrying Istanbul to safe and resilient tomorrows.”
A Family’s Experience: “Priceless” Support
Nesrin Gezer, a homeowner who benefited from the campaign, described the precarious state of their old house, remarking, “We were living in a building that would have collapsed the moment the excavator’s shears hit it.” She urged others to seize this opportunity, adding, “People shouldn’t say, ‘our houses will shrink, we can’t do it, we don’t have enough money.’ Please renovate your homes as soon as possible. Because this ‘Half is Ours’ campaign is a priceless thing. They should benefit from it.”
Addressing Istanbul’s Vulnerability
Istanbul, a metropolis prone to seismic activity, has long grappled with the challenge of its aging and structurally vulnerable building stock. The “Half is Ours” campaign is a critical initiative designed to mitigate potential risks and enhance the city’s resilience against natural disasters. By providing robust financial incentives, the government aims to accelerate the replacement of unsafe structures with modern, earthquake-resistant buildings.
Future Outlook: A Safer Istanbul
The Ministry’s ongoing commitment to urban transformation underscores a strategic long-term vision for Istanbul. The goal is to create a safer, more sustainable urban environment for its residents. The success stories, such as that of the Gezer family, serve as powerful testimonials, encouraging more citizens to participate in this vital initiative. The campaign not only focuses on structural integrity but also on improving the overall quality of life by modernizing urban spaces.
The “Half is Ours” program is expected to continue its efforts, reaching more districts and families across Istanbul, thereby contributing significantly to the city’s journey towards a more secure future.
Source: https://bigpara.hurriyet.com.tr/haberler/ekonomi-haberleri/istanbulu-guvenli-yarinlara-tasiyoruz_ID100700301/
